Our newest publications: Genes & Populations, Genetic Basics, The Structures of Life, Findings, and The Chemistry of Health (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader).

To order free copies of our science education publications, see our online publication list at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/publist.html. You may also call (301) 496-7301 or send e-mail to pub_info@nigms.nih.gov.

The Chemistry of Health (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

This science education booklet describes how basic chemistry and biochemistry research can spur a better understanding of human health. The publication highlights the research of a number of chemists and includes questions at the end of each chapter.

Findings

Findings is a new NIGMS feature publication highlighting the research of selected NIGMS-funded scientists. Read about recent, clinically relevant NIGMS-funded research studies, and solve a crossword puzzle containing words used in the stories.

• Latest issue -- September 2002:
  • Accessible HTML Version
  • Printable PDF Version (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)
  • Puzzle Answers

Genes & Populations

This educational brochure explains in question-and-answer format why genetics researchers sometimes study identified populations to identify links between genes and diseases. (Also available in Spanish: "Genes y Poblaciones".)

Genetic Basics (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

This science education brochure focuses on genetics, which is the study of how traits are transmitted from parents to offspring. The publication includes descriptions of how genes work, "strange but true" exceptions to the traditional rules of genetics, why basic research is important and worthwhile, some of the connections between genes and diseases, and the excitement of genetics research in the 21st century.

Inside the Cell

Cells are the fundamental unit of life. Within them hundreds of thousands of tiny molecules perform specialized functions. This document describes the cellular organelles within and between which some of the most critical functions take place.

Medicines By Design

Today's pharmacologists are combining the techniques of genetic engineering and structural biology with such areas of science as biochemistry and natural product chemistry to design drugs that will treat disorders more efficiently and with fewer side effects. This document describes the history of pharmacology as well as some of the latest research developments in the field.

The Structures of Life (requires free Adobe Acrobat Reader)

This full-color booklet, geared toward an advanced high school or early college-level audience, explains how structural biology provides insight into health and disease and is useful in creating new medications. The booklet also features "Student Snapshots" designed to inspire young people to consider careers in biomedical research.

Why Do Basic Research?

This document describes the goals, nature, and some of the advances made possible by basic biomedical research.